Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Richmond is 18% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,314/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$62,671/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 17%
$328,100 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 37%
$1,374/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 9%
227,595
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,359/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Odessa — common questions

Is Richmond or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Odessa?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Odessa?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $10,359/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Odessa

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham